The Hungary election results are out, and President Donald Trump's ally Viktor Orban has ended up on the losing side.
On Sunday, opposition leader Peter Magyar revealed that he received a call from the PM, who conceded defeat after 16 years in power.
Magyar said that Orban personally acknowledged the result, writing on social media: “Prime Minister Viktor Orban just congratulated me on the phone on our victory.”
The statement followed early official results showing Magyar’s Tisza Party taking a commanding lead.
Viktor Orban addresses Magyar phone call
Shortly afterward, Orban publicly addressed supporters in Budapest, confirming the outcome and signaling a transition to opposition.
“I congratulated the victorious party,″ Orban said. “We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well.”
With 37% of ballots counted, Tisza held 51% of the vote compared to 40% for Orbán’s ruling Fidesz, leading in 95 of the country’s 106 constituencies.
The election, widely seen as one of Europe’s most consequential this year, drew record turnout. By early evening, participation had surpassed 77%, the highest in Hungary’s post-Communist history.
Magyar struck a cautious tone as results emerged, saying he and his party were “cautiously confident,” while urging restraint among supporters.
